Building Resilience to Challenges and Disruptions

While records of onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) locations exist, they are often difficult to obtain as they are managed at various administrative levels. Thus, it is difficult to map and account for OWTSs in watershed models and water resource planning. Studies show that OWTSs contribute to nonpoint source pollution in watersheds, thus, knowing their location is instrumental to predicting human and environmental risk factors in the future. The goal of this study was to develop a model to estimate comprehensive OWTS distribution across coastal counties of Mississippi (MS) and Alabama (AL) using 1) known OWTS locations, 2) human-environmental geospatial datasets, and 3) machine learning techniques. Subsets of OWTS locational data were obtained from local government agencies for coastal counties in MS and AL and were used to calculate a preliminary OWTS density layer. Next, a human-environmental database was constructed, incorporating factors such as housing density, land use, and environmental conditions relevant to OWTS distribution (e.g., soil, distance to water). These datasets were input into the Forest-Based Classification and Regression tool in ArcGIS Pro to create a predictive OWTS density map. The resulting model had a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.696, meaning that predictions were within one unit of actual values, on average. Spatially, results revealed that OWTS density was prominent among peri-urban regions within the study area. The next steps of this research are to use these results alongside vulnerability assessments to evaluate community susceptibility to OWTS-related contaminants. These findings will help guide future research efforts and enhance community resilience by informing policymakers, stakeholders, and community members in making data-driven decisions regarding OWTS location and usage.

Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) are a common and cost-effective solution for wastewater management in the United States, particularly in rural areas. In Mississippi (MS) and Alabama (AL), over 40% of residents rely on OWTS, with coastal regions showing the highest dependence. Although many OWTS function without issues for decades, some studies estimate that the failure rate could be as high as 40%. Recent research indicates that OWTS contribute more significantly to water contamination than previously thought, necessitating their inclusion in local watershed management plans. However, the lack of documented OWTS locations makes it challenging to assess their impact on water quality. Furthermore, some residents cannot afford to install or maintain OWTS, leading to disproportionate exposure to contamination among vulnerable populations. This project aims to develop advanced modeling and validation techniques to better understand the relationship between OWTS, management practices, and coastal ecosystems. Collaborating with local agencies and Extension partners in MS and AL, we will pursue four objectives: 1) Create a spatially explicit OWTS database that includes human and environmental factors for modeling and validation purposes; 2) develop a pollution potential model to identify areas at increased risk of contamination due to OWTS failure, considering factors like climate hazards, social vulnerability, environmental conditions, and OWTS prevalence; 3) validate this model through in-situ sampling in both high- and low-risk locations across several watersheds in Mississippi and Alabama; and 4) share the findings with a broad audience through an Advisory Committee composed of representatives from local government agencies and Extension programs in both states. The goal of this talk will be to provide an update on the status of this project and share preliminary results.   

This presentation will provide information on the various ways in which city staff and programs interact with insurance markets. Attendees to this session will be given an overview of various regulatory incentive programs communities can enroll in and the potential benefits that may accrue from participation in these programs. Attention will be given to relevant state insurance laws in Alabama and Mississippi and how they impact insurance companies and their willingness to honor regulatory incentive programs. Will also discuss how changes at the federal level, such as Risk Rating 2.0, may impact insurance rates going forward and how code enforcement is practiced. The course will also provide information on how mitigation, land acquisition, and prudent land use can reduce a city's exposure to risk. Finally, there will be a brief overview of various kinds of outreach performed to inform local stakeholders of the need to purchase insurance and what types of factors they must consider prior to purchase.